Professor of History at State University Colorado.
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General Sociology
Courses on the history of psychology generally begin with the subject ancient philosophical origins.
Methodology Research
Cognitive psychology involves the study of internal mental processes all of the things that go on.
Cognitive Psychology
While course requirements may vary from one school to the next, most experimental psychology.
Social Psychology
Introduction to the history of psychology and the scientific study of the human mind.
General Pedagogy
A course in physiological psychology serves as a good introduction to the field of neuropsychology.
History of Humanities
It may seem overwhelming at first, due to the sheer volume of information you will learn
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First Steps
Powering on
Traditional Raman systems cost thousands. DIY builds now bring this powerful analytical method to hobbyists, students, and researchers for under $1,000 by combining:
- Readily available lasers (commonly 532 nm green)
- Standard microscope optics
- "Affordable" bandpass/edge filters
- Surplus or eBay spectrometer modules (like the B&W-Tek)
- 3D-printed mounts and mechanical stages
- Open software for data capture and processing
[When sanding PETG-CF or any carbon fibre filament wear at least a surgical mask, as the tiny fibres are harmful to your lungs and will most likely accumulate.]
Spectrometer unit with both case parts, included standoffs and screws.
Other side with the threaded SMA905 input.
Underside of the PCB to be protected by the case.
Look inside the 50um wide input slit.
Out of the box.
Intro to Raman Theory
(Why Raman)
Raman spectroscopy is a uniquely powerful tool for identifying and characterizing chemical compounds based on their vibrational modes. Unlike IR absorption or fluorescence methods, Raman works via inelastic scattering—a process where a small fraction of laser photons exchange energy with molecular bonds, causing a shift in their wavelength. These energy shifts form a “fingerprint” unique to each molecule.
For makers and DIY researchers, Raman opens up real-world applications in materials science, pharmaceuticals, microplastics detection, and even art conservation—all using relatively compact, affordable, and open-source setups. With recent advances in optical components, sensors, and computational tools, it’s now possible to build a functional Raman spectrometer for under €1000 that rivals entry-level commercial instruments.
Intro to Raman Theory
Condensed Theory
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Change the color to match your brand or vision, add your logo, choose the perfect layout, modify menu settings, add animations, add shape dividers, increase engagement with call to action and more. Change the color to match your brand or vision, add your logo, choose the perfect layout, modify menu settings, add animations, add shape dividers, increase engagement with call to action and more.
Change the color to match your brand or vision, add your logo, choose the perfect layout, modify menu settings, add animations, add shape dividers, increase engagement with call to action and more. Change the color to match your brand or vision, add your logo, choose the perfect layout, modify menu settings, add animations, add shape dividers, increase engagement with call to action and more.
Change the color to match your brand or vision, add your logo, choose the perfect layout, modify menu settings, add animations, add shape dividers, increase engagement with call to action and more. Change the color to match your brand or vision, add your logo, choose the perfect layout, modify menu settings, add animations, add shape dividers, increase engagement with call to action and more.
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Robert MacKenzie
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Objectively innovate empowered manufactured products whereas parallel platforms. Envisioned multimedia based expertise and cross-media growth strategies. Seamlessly visualize quality intellectual capital without superior collaboration and idea-sharing.
Podcasting operational change management inside of workflows to establish a framework. Taking seamless key performance indicators offline to maximise the long tail. Keeping your eye on the ball while performing a deep dive on the start-up mentality to derive convergence.
Objectively innovate empowered manufactured products whereas parallel platforms. Envisioned multimedia based expertise and cross-media growth strategies. Seamlessly visualize quality intellectual capital without superior collaboration and idea-sharing.
Podcasting operational change management inside of workflows to establish a framework. Taking seamless key performance indicators offline to maximise the long tail. Keeping your eye on the ball while performing a deep dive on the start-up mentality to derive convergence.
Objectively innovate empowered manufactured products whereas parallel platforms. Envisioned multimedia based expertise and cross-media growth strategies. Seamlessly visualize quality intellectual capital without superior collaboration and idea-sharing.
Podcasting operational change management inside of workflows to establish a framework. Taking seamless key performance indicators offline to maximise the long tail. Keeping your eye on the ball while performing a deep dive on the start-up mentality to derive convergence.
Elastic vs Inelastic Scattering
When a monochromatic laser (like a 532 nm pointer) hits a sample, most photons scatter elastically—this is Rayleigh scattering, where the photon energy remains unchanged. But a tiny fraction (≈1 in 10⁶–10⁸) scatter inelastically. These Raman-scattered photons emerge shifted in energy, either losing energy to molecular vibrations (Stokes) or gaining it (anti-Stokes) if the molecule was already in an excited state[^1].
Energy Diagram & Shifts
The Raman shift is measured in wavenumbers (cm⁻¹), reflecting the difference between incident and scattered photon energy:
ν~=(1λ0−1λscattered)×107\tilde{\nu} = \left( \frac{1}{\lambda_0} – \frac{1}{\lambda_{\text{scattered}}} \right) \times 10^7
With a 532 nm laser and a typical Raman band at 1556 cm⁻¹, the scattered light would appear at ≈580 nm—comfortably within the range of a silicon-based CCD[^2].
Selection Rules
For a vibration to be Raman-active, it must change the polarizability of the molecule (unlike IR, which depends on dipole moment changes). This allows Raman to detect symmetric and non-polar bonds, making it complementary to IR techniques[^3].
⚠ Warning: Anti-Stokes signals are much weaker and usually ignored in DIY systems due to their low intensity. Focus on Stokes scattering unless using cooled, high-sensitivity detectors.
1. Excitation Laser
Most builds use a cheap 532 nm DPSS module (~50–100 mW, often a modified laser pointer). This wavelength is strong for Raman, compatible with common silicon detectors, and makes alignment easy (visible green). Ensure IR filtering for eye safety!
2. Dichroic Beamsplitter
A long-pass dichroic mirror (Thorlabs DMLP550) reflects the laser to the sample and transmits Stokes-shifted Raman signal.
[Even simple microscope glass at 45° can work in a pinch, but a dichroic is far better for signal and alignment.]
3. Sample Focusing
A 20×/0.45 NA microscope objective tightly focuses the laser and efficiently collects Raman-scattered light—crucial for maximizing weak signals. High NA boosts collection but can reduce depth of focus. Mount on a 3D-printed holder or translation stage for easy alignment.
4. Rayleigh Rejection Filter
Use a precision long-pass (edge) filter (e.g., FELH0550) to block the intense laser wavelength, letting only Stokes-shifted light reach the spectrometer. This filter defines your low-wavenumber cutoff (e.g., 550 nm for 532 nm excitation means you start ~600 cm⁻¹ from the laser).
5. Focusing Lens
Focuses filtered Raman light onto the spectrometer slit or optical fibre. Used in conjunction with a 3D-printed linear translation stage for precise focus adjustment.
6. Spectrometer Module
Surplus units (like B&W-Tek BTC-110S) with a ~50 µm slit and 1800 l/mm grating are very accessible. Spectral range ~400–650 nm, resolution ~1 nm (about 25–30 cm⁻¹ in Raman shift) is sufficient for molecular identification. Free-space or SMA-coupled input both work.
1. Excitation Laser
Most builds use a cheap 532 nm DPSS module (~50–100 mW, often a modified laser pointer). This wavelength is strong for Raman, compatible with common silicon detectors, and makes alignment easy (visible green). Ensure IR filtering for eye safety!
2. Dichroic Beamsplitter
A long-pass dichroic mirror (Thorlabs DMLP550) reflects the laser to the sample and transmits Stokes-shifted Raman signal.
[Even simple microscope glass at 45° can work in a pinch, but a dichroic is far better for signal and alignment.]
3. Sample Focusing
A 20×/0.45 NA microscope objective tightly focuses the laser and efficiently collects Raman-scattered light—crucial for maximizing weak signals. High NA boosts collection but can reduce depth of focus. Mount on a 3D-printed holder or translation stage for easy alignment.
4. Rayleigh Rejection Filter
Use a precision long-pass (edge) filter (e.g., FELH0550) to block the intense laser wavelength, letting only Stokes-shifted light reach the spectrometer. This filter defines your low-wavenumber cutoff (e.g., 550 nm for 532 nm excitation means you start ~600 cm⁻¹ from the laser).
5. Focusing Lens
Focuses filtered Raman light onto the spectrometer slit or optical fibre. Used in conjunction with a 3D-printed linear translation stage for precise focus adjustment.
6. Spectrometer Module
Surplus units (like B&W-Tek BTC-110S) with a ~50 µm slit and 1800 l/mm grating are very accessible. Spectral range ~400–650 nm, resolution ~1 nm (about 25–30 cm⁻¹ in Raman shift) is sufficient for molecular identification. Free-space or SMA-coupled input both work.
Backscattering-Configuration
Core Components
Excitation Laser
Most builds use a cheap 532 nm DPSS module (~50–100 mW, often a modified laser pointer). This wavelength is strong for Raman, compatible with common silicon detectors, and makes alignment easy (visible green). Ensure IR filtering for eye safety!
Dichroic Beamsplitter
A long-pass dichroic mirror (Thorlabs DMLP550) reflects the laser to the sample and transmits Stokes-shifted Raman signal.
[Even simple microscope glass at 45° can work in a pinch, but a dichroic is far better for signal and alignment.]
Sample Focusing
A 20×/0.45 NA microscope objective tightly focuses the laser and efficiently collects Raman-scattered light—crucial for maximizing weak signals. High NA boosts collection but can reduce depth of focus. Mount on a 3D-printed holder or translation stage for easy alignment.
Rayleigh Rejection Filter
Use a precision long-pass (edge) filter (e.g., FELH0550) to block the intense laser wavelength, letting only Stokes-shifted light reach the spectrometer. This filter defines your low-wavenumber cutoff (e.g., 550 nm for 532 nm excitation means you start ~600 cm⁻¹ from the laser).
Focusing Lens
Focuses filtered Raman light onto the spectrometer slit or optical fibre. Used in conjunction with a 3D-printed linear translation stage for precise focus adjustment.
Spectrometer
Surplus units (like B&W-Tek BTC-110S) with a ~50 µm slit and 1800 l/mm grating are very accessible. Spectral range ~400–650 nm, resolution ~1 nm (about 25–30 cm⁻¹ in Raman shift) is sufficient for molecular identification. Free-space or SMA-coupled input both work.
Why Do-It-Yourself?
Primary Benefits
SubstanceIdentification
Analyze samples without any chemical labels or destructive preparation – perfect for diverse materials like chemicals, drugs, minerals or plastics.
Non-destructive& No prep
Quickly identify unknown substances or confirm material purity.
Adaptable& scalable
Used parts and 3D-printing make it possible to construct a capable DIY instrument under €1000.